Mazda to launch EV in 2019

Fully electric and range extender models are coming soon.

Mazda to launch EV in 2019

The Japanese brand has focused on its petrol and diesel 'Skyactiv' engines until now, but stricter emission laws has forced the company's hand into creating a new electric offering.

Speaking at the 2016 Los Angeles motor show Mazda's head of research and development, Kiyoshi Fujiwara, confirmed that an EV and a range extender model will launch by 2019.

But details of the car, including whether it will be a variation of an existing model or a stand-alone vehicle, remain under wraps.

"At this moment [it's a] secret," Fujiwara said.

However, he did reveal some details, including confirming that the range extender will utilise a rotary engine; the first rotary engine in a Mazda model since the RX-8.

Mazda has become synonymous with the rotary engine design and Fujiwara believes it is important for the image of the brand to offer one again, even if it is just a range extender powerplant.

"Range extender unit is one of our unique technologies, therefore even in the EV that technology can help our brand image," he said. "Especially as the rotary is a very small therefore it is better for the range extender. Of course rotary is much better suited to the sports car but that sort of technology is suited to a range extender and that helps our image, even in an EV."

Fujiwara wouldn't reveal Mazda's range target for the pure EV but indicated that the company won't push for a Tesla-rivaling 400-500km range. Instead the car is likely to be a smaller model focused on maximum efficiency.

The move to electric cars comes over a year after Mazda announced a technical partnership with Toyota. However, Fujiwara said that the new EV is being developed in-house rather than taking Toyota's existing technology. But he didn't rule out the two Japanese rivals sharing some of the elements to try and keep costs low.

"We are developing the Mazda system by ourselves," he confirmed. "In terms of commercialised, some of the components should be shared because the volume is not so large. Therefore, in terms of the business, [some] of [the] parts should be shared between both companies. But it is not decided yet, but we will be discussing it."

But there's no guarantee it will make it to Australian showrooms. Mazda Australia admits it is too early to make any commitment to the EV but a spokeswoman said the local operation remains keen to hear more about it.